New Chapin AD looks to carry on Eagles traditions

Worthy Evans • July 30, 2025

Chapin high school hires Billie Williams as Athletic Director after retirement of longtime AD Ronnie Wessinger.



By WORTHY EVANS

HSSR Contributing Writer


Columbia - With the retirement of longtime AD Ronnie Wessinger, Chapin looked from within to find his successor in Billie Williams.

Williams, the assistant cheerleading coach to Vicki Williams, her mother, has taught at Chapin for the been at Chapin for the past 16 years and served in many capacities. In addition to teaching social studies, she has also served as the student activities coordinator, student government sponsor and Key Club sponsor. Now she will put her effort into continuing make Chapin a great place for student athletes.


“High school athletics have always held a special place in my heart because of the unique opportunity they provide to create lasting, positive experiences for students,” Williams said. “I felt called to take this next step so I could dedicate my full energy to enhancing the Athletic experience for both our student-athletes and our coaching staff.” 


At the top of the list is evaluating facility needs across all programs and building new systems for communication, support, and recognition.



“That includes a renewed partnership with our amazing Chapin Eagle Club, an enhanced social media presence, and consistent recognition of both athletes and coaches,” Williams said.


One of the last hires that Wessinger was the hiring of Ryan Cole as head coach in 2024. Cole succeeded Justin Gentry, who had coached the Eagles since 2010 and saw the program’s growth from the 3A to the 5A classification. Cole was an assistant coach under both Gentry and longtime Eagles coach Eddie Muldrow and has a wealth of Chapin experience as well as football experience.

The Eagles finished 6-6 with a 1-4 record in the grinding Region 4-5A that includes 5A powers Dutch Fork and Irmo, up-and-coming White Knoll, and competitive programs in Lexington and River Bluff.


“Coach Ryan Cole has done a tremendous job leading our varsity football program. I am looking forward to watching him lead his team for his second season,” Williams said. “He brings great energy, experience, and a clear vision for building a competitive and character-driven team. His leadership is setting the tone not just for football, but for the high standards we want across all our athletic programs. I’m excited to support him and the rest of our coaching staff as we head into a new season.”


Another hire was Terrance Jones, who took the boys basketball head coaching job in April, replacing Chad Boland. Jones led Denmark-Olar to the 1A state championship, a 20-5 record and a Region 4-1A championship last winter. 


“Terrance Jones brings a strong commitment to developing athletes on and off the field, and I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have on our program,” Williams said. 


Williams and Chapin is working on a successor to longtime baseball coach Scott McLeod.


Mcleod retired after another successful season last spring. McLeod led the Eagles for 31 years, seeing the program grow from 2A to 5A. He won 557 games, 12 region titles, and state championships in 1996, 2001, 2002, and 2008.


As the summer winds down and the school year cranks up, Williams said she is excited to get down to the business of seeing to athletes, coaches, parents, and the Chapin community.


“I naturally believe students are at the center of everything we do. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids, developing them not just as athletes, but as people,” Williams said. “That mindset will influence every decision I make as I step into the role as Athletic Director. My goal is to continue to create an environment where our student-athletes feel supported, seen, and proud to represent Chapin High School. Whether it’s improving facilities, enhancing recognition, or making sure every team has what they need, my goal is to keep the student experience at the center of our work.”

 

Gators’ Hall has built consistent winner on Redbank Road

By Rob Gantt • July 30, 2025
Blake Hall has coached the Gators since the 2012-13 season and consistently produced winning teams over the years.

Hanahan volleyball program under new leadership

By Rob Gantt • July 30, 2025
Hanahan High School promotes Jamie Kock to head coach of the girls varsity volleyball. Koch, who has moved up from the junior varsity, takes over for former coach Sheena Lanham.

First Baptist Hires New AD and Football Coach

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.

Andrews Volleyball and Softball on solid foundation

By Neill Kirkpatrick • July 30, 2025
Joy Weisner begins her fourth year at Andrews High School and her third as the head coach of both the volleyball and softball teams.

Chesterfield Alum Hired to Football Post

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025
Chesterfield High has hired a former player and alum, Nick Dixon, to head up its football program.

Colleton Prep continues growth in athletics

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025
Colleton Prep athletic director Greg Langdale.

Lewis has a seasoned group of Ashley Ridge coaches

By Roger Lee • July 30, 2025
Kelly Lewis is entering his second year as the Ashley Ridge athletic director.

May River’s Bonneville Hopes To Build On Success Of Last Years Football Team

By Billy Baker • July 30, 2025
Richard Bonneville enters his third season as the head coach at May River High.

Christ Church moves up and continues success

By Neill Kirkpatrick • July 30, 2025
Athletic Director Molly Miller has outstanding coaches who believe in the core values of Christ Church and the vision statement for CCE.

Shaun Welch and his staff have St. John’s Christian on the right path

By Neill Kirkpatrick • July 30, 2025
By Neill Kirkpatrick Special to the HSSR  Moncks Corner – Head coach Shaun Welch begins his second season as the head of the St. John’s Christian football program after a solid first season where the Cavaliers ended the season in the first round of the SCISA Class AA playoffs. Before taking over the head job the Newberry College graduate had been an assistant coach for three years at SJCA. He began putting his stamp on the program last season and looks for year two to see more progress from his team. “Last year was my first year as head coach and I was proud of the way the team responded and played throughout the year. We went 4-6 in regular season and 3-2 in region. Our region losses came from Pee Dee Academy, which on the state championship and Bethesda Academy, which was the state runner up. We also took our first lost a season from Pinewood Prep the 3a state champion,” said coach. Coach continued, “My first goal when I first took over the program was to make sure that our team was disciplined, learn life lessons, give all our glory to the Lord, and get better every day, not just us football players, but as young men.” On the field coach Welch and his staff put in a spread offense that relay’s heavily on RPO’s but stressing the run game. Defensively, the one thing the Cav’s struggle with his size along the defensive front so they play with three down linemen with the rest of the defensive made up of athletic players that can get the football. Returning to coach Welch’s staff are Matthew Myers and Stephen Billiot . Myers handles the offensive and defensive lines and brings a wealth of experience to Cavaliers. Billiot is in his third year at SJCA and is the team’s defensive coordinator and running back’s coach. Ryan Jackson and Christopher Oliver will be in there first year at SJCA. Jackson will coach the wide receivers and the defensive backs while Oliver will handle the quarterbacks as well as help with the receivers and the defensive backs. “We stress to our kids discipline conditioning and getting better every day. Each week we must get better as we make it to our region into our playoff run, of course the first few games matter, but we want to progress every week. We have a veteran group returning so we are expecting a good season but we have a lot of work to do before the season starts,” coach Welch said. .
More Posts